09Mar

09Mar

Gear Guide: 5 Essential Cycling Accessories for Spring

byKirsty Ho Fat

You know where you're at when you dress for winter on the bike. It's all about layering-up and keeping warm to protect you from the harsh elements. Spring on the other hand, throws up a whole load of unpredictable, quick-changing conditions and temperatures that mean you have to find kit that can keep up.

You don't have to break the bank to be prepared for the transition from cycling in winter to spring. Just a select handful of accessories can transform the wardrobe you currently have into outfits you can don over the coming months.

It's a well known fact that you lose most of your body heat through your head. Therefore, a simple solution to getting and staying warm on those clear chilly mornings is to don some ear warmers or even a cycling cap.

If you get too toasty, pull over, whip them off and stow them in your jersey pocket. A lightweight, supremely effective way to retain heat and one that won't make your purse wince.

A gilet is a lightweight shell that has no arms, covers only the torso and aims to protect your from the wind, all while ensuring you don't overheat. We are staunch supporters of the gilet here at VeloVixen and over the years have amassed quite a collection.

Most gilets have a windstopping front section and breathable back panel to help regulate your body temperature. Sometimes they have pockets like jerseys to stash goodies, but most don't to keep them lightweight and fitting. Can be worn over long sleeve jerseys or our preference is to combine with a short sleeve jersey and arm warmers.

When not in use, you can roll the gilet up and stash it in your jersey pocket.

The key to a successful transitional outfit is versatility. If you ride off early in the morning, chances are it's going to be a wee bit nippy. Rather than be stuck wearing a long sleeve jersey that will make you overheat as the day warms, one of the wisest purchases you could make would be a pair of arm warmers.

Don them as you head out of the door, roll them down your arms as the sun peaks its head up and then pull them back up when you dip down into a windy descent. Perfect versatility, and you don't even need to get off your bike to make the adjustments!

There's nothing worse than cold extremities on a ride, specially on your hands as they're constantly on show, working hard on the handlebars.

We recommend keeping your digits covered on early morning rides, so a lightweight full-fingered glove would be a good option, but if you're heading out in the warmer hours a pair of sturdy mitts would suffice. Look for soft materials and some palm padding to keep you comfortable.

Don't pack away the heavyweight neoprene overshoes just yet, you may still need those on some of the worst days. But, it's perhaps time to look at lighter options to keep the wind at bay and your toes free from ice cubes.

Not only do lightweight overshoes keep the wind out, they also help keep road spray at bay, so your spangly shoes stay clean - bonus!

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Be prepared, don't let the unpredictable British springtime weather ruin your ride. Pick the correct kit and you will barely notice the transition from winter to spring!

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